Meghalaya launched Mission Golden Spice — Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project — on 21 July 2026. It is a five‑year (2026–2030) project with an outlay of Rs. 175.45 crore.
Key features
- Variety: Lakadong turmeric (Curcuma longa) known for curcumin 7–12% versus global average 2–4%.
- GI status: Lakadong is a Geographical Indication under India’s GI regime.
Project targets
- Area expansion: Increase cultivated area from ~2,500 ha to 7,000 ha by 2030.
- Production: Target annual output 49,400 metric tonnes.
- Farm‑gate price: Aim to raise price to ~Rs. 80/kg from Rs. 30–40/kg.
- Beneficiaries: >17,500 farmers, ~99% women; primary focus West and East Jaintia Hills.
- Employment & value‑chain: ~3,000 jobs; build a Rs. 100‑crore local value‑chain by FY 2028–29.
Funding and markets
- Financing: Partnership between Meghalaya government, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Ministry of DoNER; DoNER contributes 50%.
- Duration & cost: 2026–2030; Rs. 175.45 crore.
- Export focus: Target markets include United States, European Union, Japan and Gulf countries.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- GI law: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999; GI Registry in Chennai under DPIIT.
- Quality marker: Curcumin is used as a laboratory and trade marker for turmeric quality.
- Botanical: Turmeric is a rhizome crop of genus Curcuma; principal species Curcuma longa.